Catholic Women’s League of Canada | BC and Yukon Council

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Madam President What a joyful standing committee to chair, One that draws our hearts and minds closer to God our Father, Jesus, and Mary his Mother. Spiritual growth is the very heart of the League and the essence of its existence. It’s an essential part of a meeting. Before I began writing this report I prayed the chairpersons prayer asking that I might say the right words. We have an interesting concept this year to make our reports meaningful to you. I will outline the duties of the Chairperson and give an example taken from the reports I received from Diocesan.

Everyone kept spiritual growth of members at the forefront at their meetings. The National Theme “Women of Peace and Hope” was utilized through song, prayer and deeds. The National webpage as well as Provincial webpage are becoming popular sites to visit for information. Some councils attributed attending conventions at all levels as a great way to enhance spiritual growth. In this year of the priest, councils are being extra supportive of their priests. And during this convention you will have the opportunity to have your very own priest to pray for.

In one diocese they have a spiritual spa, a way to surround yourself with God and provide relaxation for your soul. Speak to the Kamloops Diocese to get more information.  Acts of Kindness in giving assistance to caregivers coping with a terminally ill family member can easily be given. Simple gestures of helping are much appreciated. Suggestions are in the Activities Kit. If you have the inclination there are Palliative care and Hospice courses so you can be properly trained in this compassionate work. Extend a Hand in friendship to someone new in the parish and gain a new friend. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Greetings to all: As this is my first Communiqué for 2010 I wish you much success in your work promoting Spiritual Development in your Dioceses. I hope you have had a wonderful response from the parishes for the Annual Report. Please send me your report by February 15, 2010 and send it by email please. I look forward with great anticipation to read what your Dioceses have accomplished. We have many people needing prayers in BC and Yukon. Alice Hallgren, Nelson Diocesan President had successful surgery on a carotid artery. Pray for her complete recovery. Nancy Simms is asking for prayers for her sister, and Doreen Gowans is thankful that her Mom came through the health crisis.

Please pray for those running for executive at Diocesan, Provincial and National levels. Pray also for those casting ballots. May the gift of discernment prevail in your choices of what is best for the League.

Terri Scott, National Spiritual Development Chairperson has her Communiqué #5 ready for our perusal. This was sent to me January 31 but I had trouble with my email after going to Yuma for six days and five nights. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was already finished when Terry’s report was sent so hope everyone responded to the prayers from the pulpit to mark this important time.

Reporting Deceased Members: The Diocesan SD chairpersons know that I compiled the list of names AI had received and submitted that to National by January 15. Now it seems that I have until February 15 to submit the list. National notified me that the last submission of names were in the mail so I will have to add to my list. Please use the proper form dated 2008 for reporting deceased members. Please review with your parishes so they understand the process. One copy to National. The form is available at www.cwl.ca under supplies and forms in a printable or online format. The form is also in the Policy and Procedure manual, photocopy so you continue to have a copy of the form.

As you know, Lent is approaching and begins Ash Wednesday, February 17. This is a time of repentance, change of heart and prayer. Promote your parish activities to make this a time of spiritual renewal. If your parish has a mission, promote it. If you have nothing then start something. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Greetings to all! Your Provincial Table Officers and Executive had a wonderful midterm meeting at Seton House of Prayer in Kelowna October 22-25. Our days were full with various prayers , meetings, and Celebration of the Eucharist. Here we are with Communique #07. Terri Scott, National Chairperson of Spiritual Development has prepared her Communique # 04 which is dated October 28, 2009. Terri’s communiqué contains important information.

November is upon us and already we have celebrated two special days. The Feast of All Saints on November 1st honoured all the saints of the church, known and unknown. Only a few days ago the evening Mass for All Souls’ Day was celebrated in which we prayed for all the departed. Mary Pecora and I, read the names of our local departed CWL members from our Book of Life and these were left at the altar for the entire month of November. May the souls of our departed members Rest in Peace and may the Perpetual light shine upon them. Amen

While on the topic of the deceased would every council be certain you have notified National office of your deceased members for 2009. Each member has a new identification number and that is a now a necessary part of the report, along with the other information asked for. Please only use the form dated 2008 as it has the current information for submitting. You will note that you only need to send one copy and that is to National and they in turn will notify Diocesan and provincial chairpersons. You are also able to send the deceased information by email.

The Church year is coming to a close with the celebration of Christ the King and the following week begins the new liturgical year and the Season of Advent in preparation for the coming of Jesus. Encourage each other to prayerfully prepare your hearts for Christmas. Canada Post has now released the Christmas Stamps, they are truly beautiful, Be sure to thank Canada Post for choosing such beautiful artwork depicting the Nativity. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Dear sisters in the League and Father Tran:

My summer flew by so quickly and I imagine yours was the same. I enjoyed happy times spent with family and friends. My niece was married at Good Shepherd Church in Surrey, August 15, Feast of the Assumption of Mary. As Godmother of the bride I was happy to have a part in the Wedding Mass. Now that September has arrived it is time to get down to CWL business. This communiqué is to give you something for your reports to the fall executive meetings. I will have another communiqué after I receive one from Terri Scott.

Welcome to the new Spiritual Development Chairpersons: Kamloops Diocese: Dia nne Pecor Prince George Diocese: Laura Esposito and Julie Rose from Vancouver Diocese. Therese Janssen of Victoria Diocese and Betty Houle of Nelson Diocese are like me serving their last term of office. Spiritual Growth of Members: Facilitate study of the League Theme Women of Peace and Hope. It is a wonderful opportunity for spiritual growth. Be sure to make use of the suggested activities in the Activities kit. See what you can do to promote acts of kindness for those in palliative care or for a caregiver. In this Year of the Priest designated by our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI remember to pray daily for your priest. Take advantage of the days of indulgence offered for parishioners in your Dioceses. Promote the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the church, I wanted to buy the new daily guide and it was not available. The clerk gave me a website to download for free but I think it is for the full edition. Website is www.stfrancisdesales.com click on Liturgy of the hours. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Madam President: One short year ago I was gifted with the standing committee of Spiritual Development. I believe I was blessed as what better way to spread the message and promote good works than through Spiritual development. Our handbook states: “Spiritual growth is the very heart of the League and the essence of its existence. The patroness of the League is the Blessed Virgin Mary under the title of Our Lady of Good Counsel.” Our Blessed Lady guides us.

Our six Dioceses in their annual reports told me about wondrous works promoting spirituality and programs to enhance the spiritual growth of members. This is what sets us apart from other women’s organizations. Many items of interest were reported on.

However all was not bright and rosy as we encountered great difficulties getting the names of our deceased members. I hope and pray that there aren’t any errors. National office had many names that I did not have any information on and I had names that National didn’t receive. I must impress upon you to be very diligent in filling out this form accurately and clearly, it is a good idea to print the information, as handwriting can be indecipherable at times. And we want to be certain that the correct name and address is listed so please insert your council code. I can think of no greater horror than to read my name as deceased. There were 214 deceased in 2008 with an additional 27 from previous years. There are more deceased but they will be in the 2009 National Book of Life because the forms were submitted too late.

Additional information has just been received that each member will have an individual membership number issued to them—so this number will also be needed.

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Submitted by: Carol Penno

I didn’t think I would be sending a communiqué so close to the annual Provincial Convention but it is a necessity because National Chairperson Terri Scott sent communiqué #3 on May 11, 2009 containing some timely events and I have the responsibility of sharing with you.

Elections are now over for the six Diocesan Councils in BC & Yukon thus we have new standing committee chairpersons. I  welcome the new Chairpersons of Spiritual  Development:  Dianne P. from Kamloops Diocese, Laura E. of  the Prince George Diocese and Julie R. from Vancouver Archdiocesan.  Betty H. from Nelson Diocese and Therese J. of the Victoria Diocese are in their second term of office.  I thank Edna L. for the work she does to help with Spiritual Development for the Whitehorse Diocese in addition to her own work.

The Sisters of The Precious Blood in Calgary have sent me the novena prayer for The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ that will be celebrated June 14th.   The novena begins Friday June 5th .

Novena Prayer for Corpus Christi  (Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ)
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwells in me and I dwell in them.”  O Jesus, help me to understand the meaning of your words.  I yield myself to you that your desire may be accomplished.  I lay before you the desire of my heart, my longing to be more deeply united with you, to live in a communion of hearts with you. By your power present in the Eucharist, grant the petitions I bring before you now.  Bless those I love and each one for whom I have a special concern. I thank you Lord for the gift of your Body and Blood, your real Presence in the Holy Sacrament of the Altar.  Adoration, praise and thanksgiving be to you forever and ever.  Amen.

The Sisters of the Precious Blood are dear to the heart of the people of Nelson Diocese as they keep us in continual prayer even though they no longer reside at their former monastery in Nelson.   » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Spring has arrived and what a wonderful time of the year with new life springing up around us.  Our season of Lent is nearing an end with only two weeks remaining until Holy Thursday.  I wish the remainder of Lent be prayerful and joyful and may your Easter be truly joyous and blessed.

April 26 is a special day for the CWL as it is the feast day of Our Lady of Good Counsel.  Our National Council named it a day of action for Peace and Hope. The activities kit that each parish received is designed to make the CWL more visible and active in the parish.  Be sure to invite your fellow parishioners to participate in your celebration. The National Council will have Mass offered by Arch Bishop Martin Currie, Esk Omi and Scarboro Missions prior to April 26th with the Mass intention for the success of the CWL’s day of Peace and Action.  You are encouraged to join in prayer prior to the 26th as well.  Another suggestion would be to partake in a  Novena to Our Lady of Good Counsel .  A novena is a succession of prayers for nine days prior to a feast day.   » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol Penno

Happy New Year to the Spiritual Development Chairpersons at Parish and Diocesan Levels.  It will be up to Diocesan Chairperson to ensure that  the Parish Spiritual Development Chairperson receive this communiqué so they can begin  implementing this most important work to ensure the  membership  get the best spiritual growth and encouragement they possibly can.  There are wonderful programs in place to help you do just that.  Thank you to the parish councils that submitted their reports to their diocesan counterpart in a timely manner.  It is through the annual reports that your work and ideas are shared and your good works acknowledged.   Terri Scott, National Spiritual Development Chairperson has sent her second communiqué. I will use excerpts from her report and to view it in its entirety visit the National webpage. It will be posted shortly. It is filled with inspiring ideas that can be used by every parish to enhance spiritual growth. 

Jubilee Year of St. Paul the Apostle: June 28, 2008, to June 29, 2009

The Ontario Provincial Spiritual Development Standing Committee has compiled a package on The Pauline Year. The file includes a comprehensive overview of the life and mission journeys of St.Paul, ways to celebrate the Pauline Year, hymns and prayers. In short, if there is anything you wish to know about St. Paul, it is there. Please check the website: http://www.cwl.on.ca/PaulineYear.html The Holy Spirit was  at work. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol Penno

All the blessings of the advent season as we prepare for the coming of the Lord in our midst.

A quote from Pope Benedict XV! Advent address:  “Advent is the spiritual season of hope par excellence and in this season the whole church is called to be hope for itself and for the world.”  He adds,” The whole spiritual organism of the mystical body assumes as it were the ‘color’ of hope.”

A website I enjoy using is www.CatholicGreetings.org; there you will find Catholic greetings for Advent and the feast days that fall within the season.

The Catholic Missions is Canada would be grateful for donations to help the Missionaries in their work  in the mission churches across Canada.  In a letter I received October 29^th, 2008 the work of Sister Shelley Grant, C.N.D. is mentioned.  Sister Shelley ministers to 155 parishioners at St. Jude’s Catholic Mission in Carmacks, Yukon.  Sister Shelley received a grant of $10,000 which kept this mission open.  It covered heating, electricity, phone, wood, church supplies, gas, fuel for the stove, food, etc.  Let us be mindful of the Missionaries in our own BC & Yukon area. » Read the rest of this entry »

Submitted by: Carol Penno

It was an honour and privilege to attend the National CWL Convention and WUCWO Regional North American Conference August 8-13, 2008 in Winnipeg, MB and represent The BC & Yukon Council as an accredited delegate. President Marianna Caldwell asked me to write the spiritual report and I pray this report will convey the spiritual messages we heard.

In the presence of 331 WUCWO Conference registrants, the opening liturgy of the Conference was celebrated at Blessed Virgin Mary the Protectress Ukrainian Catholic Church. Upon entering this beautiful church you were enveloped with a sense of awe, majesty and wonder. There were many beautiful icons to the sides of the gated sanctuary. (See pictures I sent you) The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom was used for worship. This Divine Liturgy is used throughout the ecclesiastical year with other Liturgies being used for special feast days, Lent, Christmas, etc. The beautifully voiced choir was called upon to lead us in the hymns. They also sang innumerable times for the responses many in Ukrainian and sung in various tones which added to the worship. We were provided with a booklet to help us follow along.

The Offertory procession included a Presentation Kolach (a round loaf of bread which was decorated with pieces of dough in a special pattern before baking), and a framed reproduction of the icon, The Holy Mother of God who is Patroness of the Ukrainian CWL of Canada. The National Executive President of the Ukrainian CWL Luba Kowalchyk presented WUCWO President General Karen Hurley with the framed Icon of Mary, The Holy Mother of God. » Read the rest of this entry »